IT might have been a little cold for the "short skirts" - but not even the weather could prevent punters enjoying a fantastic opening day at York Racecourse.

A total of 11,445 people enjoyed yesterday's racing - up nine per cent on the same day last year.

And it took the eager crowd little time to shake off the cobwebs of winter and get the champagne glasses clinking.

Racing didn't kick off until 1.45pm, but those who couldn't wait were seen sneaking into the racecourse stands some two hours before.

It was a day for celebrity sportsmen, with Aston Villa manager David O'Leary, former Manchester United footballer Gary Pallister and Ryder Cup golfer Lee Westwood spotted, along with former England Rugby union international Jason Leonard.

On the course, the band played, the drink flowed and the stands were soon strewn with betting slips - as the battle between bookie and punter resumed following a seven month lay-off.

For the Yorkie, things could not have got off to a better start when Blue Spinnaker, trained by Sheriff Hutton's Mick Easterby, delivered the local winner the crowds always crave.

And when magician John Danbury, brought in to entertain the crowds with sleight of hand and fabulous illusions, "magically" picked Short Skirt to win the feature Musidora Stakes, the smiles on the racecourse were wide.

The 32-year-old illusionist was one the main attractions of the first day of the May Meeting at York Racecourse.

And when his tip romped home in the Musidora Stakes, it was a fitting finale to an opening day of fine fashion, top sporting celebrities and first-class racing action.

Not that many racegoers were hardy enough to wear a garment that took such a chance with nature. Spirits were high on the course, but it was a decidedly grey day.

One racegoer prepared to give it a go, however, was 18-year-old Carly Evans, from Wakefield.

She said: "I am looking forward to having some champagne and hoping I will be able to get a couple of winners."

Looking on was Paul Draper, a regular York racegoer who had travelled from Derbyshire to catch the action.

"I always come up to York. It's not my local track but it is good racing. I fancy Blue Spinnaker in the first - but not with any confidence."

He may have doubted his talents, but when the Yorkshire-trained horse came in at 7-1, Paul was one of many happy punters.

Also happy in the champagne lawns were a couple of hen parties who, despite the weather, were soaking up the races atmosphere.

Pontefract bride-to-be Sarah Lofts, 25, had chosen York Racecourse for a "few glasses of champagne and a few winners".

Her "crew", which was planning to hit the town after racing finished, insisted Scott's Love in the last was the one to follow. "I am getting married a week on Sunday," Sarah said. Their horse didn't win.

Linzi Pitfield's hen day had been a work of precision planning. The York hairdresser, who runs Evolve salon on Scarcroft Road, said it had always been the plan to hit the bookies hard at York Racecourse.

"It has been a fantastic day," she said. "One of us had the winner in the first and we always come to every meeting. I met my husband-to-be at York Races. It's a grand day out."

James Brennan, racecourse marketing manager, said: "This is always an exciting time for us - the first day of the new season. We have spent all winter preparing for it and now we are back under way again.

"We have had a great day, there were a lot of smiling faces and it started off in grand style with a Yorkshire winner. It couldn't have been much better."

Today, the action continues with Dante Day, the highlight of May's three-day meeting.

Updated: 11:12 Thursday, May 18, 2006